Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Colnaghi, Dominic Paul
COLNAGHI, DOMINIC PAUL (1790–1879), print dealer and connoisseur, eldest son of Paul Colnaghi [q. v.] (or more properly Colnago), and Elizabeth Baker, his wife, was born in London on 15 July 1790. He entered business early in life, and succeeded his father as the head of the firm of Paul and Dominic Colnaghi in 1833. For many years under his sway the house in 14 Pall Mall East formed a well-known art centre, it being frequented by peers and members of parliament, so that the intermingling of politicians with artists and literary men gave the large room in the season the appearance of a club. Colnaghi's knowledge of prints and taste in art were very great. He had a European reputation, and was held in high esteem by collectors and officials. He was also a connoisseur in ancient armour, and was the original possessor of a large portion of the Meyrick collection. He married Miss Katherine Pontet in 1832. She died on 21 Nov. 1881. Colnaghi retired from business about 1865 and spent the remaining years of his life in quiet leisure. He died at his residence, 62 Margaret Street, Cavendish Square, on 19 Dec. 1879, and was buried in Brompton cemetery. He left two sons, the eldest of whom, Dominic Ellis Colnaghi, was appointed English consul-general at Florence on 24 Feb. 1881. There is an engraved portrait of Colnaghi after Brocky. A sale of ancient and modern engravings, books on art, autographs, portraits, &c., took place at Christie's on 2 April 1879.
[Manuscript notes in the British Museum.]